Tokoname Pottery Footpath
常滑やきもの散歩道
A ceramics town and one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, where the pipe-studded wall of Dokan-zaka, old chimneys and the maneki-neko cat streetscape evoke Showa-era charm.
Tokoname is one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, famous for its reddish-brown clay kyusu teapots and its maneki-neko lucky cats. The roughly 1.6-kilometer Pottery Footpath winds through the old kiln district on the hills. Its most iconic spot is Dokan-zaka, where the walls on both sides are studded with Meiji-era clay pipes and shochu bottles. Other highlights include the climbing kiln Toei-gama, designated an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property, brick chimneys, pottery studios and cafes. Near the entrance, a giant 'Tokoname Maneki-neko' statue guards the street. The footpath is free, and some kilns offer pottery experiences. It's about a 5-minute walk from Tokoname Station on the Meitetsu line. It's only one stop from Chubu Centrair International Airport, making it a convenient stop before departure or after arrival.
Opening hours
All day (shops approx. 10:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- SCMaglev and Railway Park
- LEGOLAND Japan
- Nagashima Spa Land
- Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium
- Arimatsu Historic Townscape
- Nabana no Sato
- Shirotori Garden
- Atsuta Jingu